Description

Details

Powered exclusively by Intel X-Series processors, the Meg X299 Creation LGA 2066 E-ATX Motherboardfrom MSI is made for designers and content creators. Packed with features to unleash the overall performance of multi-core processors, its features and element-explosion design meet the demanding requirements for creating your own masterpiece. This motherboard will fit in E-ATX sized cases, supports the LGA 2066 socket and the Intel X299 chipset, and is compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit).

The E-ATX form factor of the Meg X299 Creation has eight 288-pin DDR4 slots that support up to 128GB of memory, although the top memory speed depends on the installed processor. Processors compatible with four-channel DDR4 support quad-channel memory architecture up 4200 MHz (OC) memory, while processors compatible with two-channel DDR4 support dual-channel memory architecture up to 4133 MHz (OC). For storage, there are eight SATA III 6 Gb/s ports, one U.2 connector that supports NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 storage, and two M.2 Socket 3 with M key that support type 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 SATA III and PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs, plus one additional M.2 slot that supports type 2242, 2260, and 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs. The Meg X299 Creation supports Intel Optane Memory and allows its storage to be configured as RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. SATA devices support RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, while PCIe M.2 devices support RAID 0 and 1.

There is also one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port (rear panel), one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port (rear panel), six USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports (rear panel), two USB 2.0 Type-A ports (rear panel), and one USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (internal), plus more internal USB headers that support USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 2.0. For those looking to expand their system using PCIe, there are four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The PCIe 3.0 x16 slots support different bandwidths depending on whether the installed CPU has 44 lanes, 28 lanes, or 16 lanes.

This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, meaning that users will need to purchase a dedicated and compatible graphics card of their choice. Or, install MSI's THUNDERBOLT M3 card, which delivers 4K video with dual Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort outputs. For users looking to take advantage of multiple GPUs, the Meg X299 Creation supports 4-Way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX technologies.

Using the Realtek ALCS1220 7.1-channel HD audio codec, the Meg X299 Creation can support audio with higher fidelity than standard controllers. Audio can also be output using the integrated five 3.5mm audio outputs, S/PDIF output, or front panel audio connectors. Protection is provided by a limited 3-year warranty.

General Features

Cooling

Stay Cool for Improved Performance

Cooling your PC is essential for reliable performance. MSI motherboards feature a solid and heavy heatsink, and enough fan headers to allow you to cool your system any way you want.

Temperature Management

Multiple fan connectors and thermal sensors allow you to set up a cool and silent system through automatic or manual control of your fans.

M.2 Shield FROZR

SSDs can start to lower their performance when getting hot. Part of the motherboard's heatsink design, M.2 Shield FROZR, is the next generation M.2 thermal solution to avoid this by offering improved thermal protection to make sure that SSDs maintain their performance.

Fully Controllable in BIOS and Software

MSI motherboards let you manage speeds and temperatures for all your system and CPU fans. Total Fan Control allows you check your primary system characteristics in a simplified graphical interface. You can also set up to four temperature targets for their CPU and motherboard, which will adjust the fan speeds automatically.

This motherboard is designed to support the most popular All-in-One and customized water-cooling solutions on the market. A dedicated water pump PIN header supports up to 2A, giving you full control of the water-pump speed. A clearly marked "keep out zone" allows for easy and safe installation.

HW

User-Friendly Design

MSI motherboards offer a convenient design for DIY users, including multiple system tuning and troubleshooting tools to push your system to new heights and satisfy even the most demanding tweaker. This makes it easy to install your own motherboard without issues.

Keep Out Zone

MSI motherboards' circuitry ensure the case standoff keep-out zones are pure and clean, preventing any component contact or damage to the motherboard.

XL Clip

The enlarged PCIe clip helps you swap or remove devices more easily and makes the PCIe slot stronger and safer.

Easy Button 3

This motherboard features accessible physical buttons for instantly resetting and powering up/down your system. The buttons are illuminated so you can easily spot them in a dark environment.

Debug LED

Run into trouble? The digital LED display will indicate the source of the problem so you know exactly where to look to get up and running again.

EZ Debug LED

Run into trouble? Onboard LEDs for key components will indicate the source of the problem so you know exactly where to look to get up and running again.

Boot Up

Run into trouble when updating your BIOS or somehow corrupted it? Don't worry, System Saver offers three easy to use options to successfully boot your system again.

Clear CMOSHelps to restore the BIOS default settings which helps in 99% of the cases to successfully boot again.

BIOS FlashbackRun into trouble? Simply flash the BIOS version and continue gaming within minutes with BIOS Flashback+. It even works without hardware!

Dual BIOSHaving two physical BIOS chips allows to have a plan B.

Compatibility

Compatibility

MSI motherboards are certified by strict mechanics that feature a convenient pin-header keep out zone and friendly SATA & USB locations for compatibility with a wide range of components and devices, so DIY user can pick and choose the components they want. More than that, they offer a dedicated Qualified Vendor List (QVL) for memory. Combining with MSI DDR4 Boost technology, MSI provides broad compatibility even over clocking, so you confirm and choose the gaming rig as you want.

Processor Support

MSI X299 motherboards support Intel Core X-series processors. Combined with MSI Core Boost technology, you can achieve high levels of performance with a wide variety of CPUs.

Stability & Compatibility Testing

MSI conducts thorough memory testing with the popular memory brands under extreme conditions to ensure your system runs stable. Their memory partners include brands like Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, G.Skill, and many more to optimize memory modules, configurations, and even improve overclocking.

BIOS and Software

Apps to Improve Efficiency

With years of experience in creating performance-enhancing tools that are easy to use, high quality applications are at your disposal. Use these tools to get the most out of your motherboard. Moreover, MSI made sure our BIOS contains the latest options and is easy to use. The extensive features let you fine-tune your system to deliver reliable performance.

Dragon Center

MSI's UI merges all software functions into one specific application, MSI Dragon Center. It not only integrates MSI software functions, but also syncs MSI desktop products to work together, providing an improved user experience.

Live UpdateNever miss out on important updates. MSI Live Update automatically downloads and installs the latest drivers, BIOS, and software so you can focus on your game.

MSI App Player

Developed under an exclusive partnership with BlueStacks, the MSI APP Player brings a seamless gaming experience between mobile games and PC platforms, and leverages customized features, such as specific keyboard lighting and better graphics with multi-task works.

Click BIOS 5

MSI made sure their BIOS contains the latest options and is easy to use for everyone. These extensive features let you fine-tune your system to deliver reliable performance.

Game BoostSafely overclock your CPU with a single button for more performance.

Memory Try ItThis is a good option to get faster speeds out of your system memory and gaming performance.

M.2 GenieM.2 Genie makes setting up a RAID 0 for M.2 and U.2 more user-friendly and less time consuming.

Search & FavoritesA permanent search & favorite option in the top right corner can be used to find what you need.

CPU

Look Cool While Keeping Cool

High-quality materials and smart fan optimizations contribute to cooling essential components, which is key to making sure your system runs stable and delivers the high performance.

Core Boost

Core Boost technology combines MSI's layout and optimized power design, which allows for faster and undistorted current delivery to the CPU at pin-point precision. This supports multi-core CPUs, creating good conditions for CPU overclocking.

13+1 Phase Power Design

Unleash and sustain high performance with an aggressive VRM design built with a total of 12 digital CPU power phases. Combining triple power connectors and Core Boost technology, this motherboard is ready for the challenge of high-end processors.

One-Second Overclocking

MSI Game Boost enables one-second overclocking, giving you the performance boost you need to get more frames per second.

Load-Line Calibration

What you set, is what you get. LLC makes sure your CPU voltage remains 100% stable under almost any load. This improves stability you need more CPU performance.

Overvoltage Protection

Prevents potential short circuit damage to the CPU and other critical components.

DigitALL Power Design

A fully digital power design allows for faster and undistorted current delivery to the CPU at pin-point precision. This creates conditions for CPU overclocking.

DDR4

An optimized layout design and a fully isolated memory circuitry ensures stability and performance. You won't have to worry about your system crashing during games with MSI DDR4 Boost.

Overclocking XMP Profile

The XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) in MSI's BIOS are tested and certified by MSI OC lab. It is easy to enable with auto power settings to get the memory speed and stability you need.

Storage

Fast and Future-Ready Storage

MSI motherboards support the latest storage standards, which allows users to connect most fast storage devices. Start games faster, load levels faster, and have an advantage over your enemies.

M.2 XPANDER-AERO

You can find Triple Turbo M.2 with Shield FROZR on the Meg X299 Creation. In addition, another accessory can be found in the packaging: the M.2 XPANDER-AERO. This PCI-Express card offers four extra M.2 slots to increase your storage capacity at fast speeds.

Intel Optane - Boost Your HDD to Perform Like an SSD

Gamers and PC enthusiasts can now enjoy the performance of an SSD on their HDD by coupling it with an Intel Optane Memory device. Intel Optane technology provides a combination of high throughput, low latency, high quality of service, and high endurance.

Virtual RAID on CPU

The Intel Virtual RAID on CPU, VROC, unseals the PCIe lanes direct from processor in order to configure a bootable RAID array, rather than the 32 Gb/s DMI bottlenecks from the chipset. With Intel VROC, you can take advantage of fast SSD speeds during game loading.

VROC with M.2 XPANDER-AERO

Build a prompt OS disk with four more Turbo M.2 devices in RAID 0 directly from the processor. Please note that you will need a VROC upgrade key for full functionality when the 90-day trial period expires.

Storage Boost Your Storage Performance

This tool is very simple to use and automatically detects your storage devices connected to the system. When enabled, Storage Boost optimizes your SSDs to keep your system fast and maximize storage performance, saving you a lot of time when loading or transferring data.

Easy RAID Setup with M.2 Genie

Looking to go all out in terms of raw data speed and put multiple SSDs in RAID 0? Setting this up can prove to be quite the challenge. That's why MSI created M.2 Genie, a feature to make setting up RAID 0 for M.2 and U.2 much easier and less time consuming.

Using separated layers in the PCB helps ensure equally pristine sound for both left and right audio channels.

Nahimic 3

Get ready to be amazed by Nahimic 3 and live gaming immersion like never before! With a simple and intuitive UI, Nahimic 3 not only further enhances in-game 3D surround sound, but also offers even more finite control over your music, movies, and conference calls.

Voice Boost

Hear your teammates clearly but still enjoy your audio. Voice Boost automatically reduces the game's audio when teammates speak, and sets volume back when no one speaks.

The built-in dedicated headphone amplifier rewards audiophiles with headphones up to 600 Ohms impedance by delivering studio-grade sound quality from your gaming PC. Audio Boost 4 automatically detects the proper impedance for your headphones and adjusts the output for the best sound quality.

LAN

Stable, Secure, and Fast Networking

Optimized for content creation, professional and multimedia use, this high-quality network solution is equipped to get ready to serve you with 24/7 reliability and stability when transferring large amounts of data.

This model comes equipped with a network solution from Intel. Their high-quality Gigabit LAN networking component is optimized for professional and multimedia use with performance to deliver a secure, stable, and fast network connection.

Creation

Creation

Good craftsmanship depends on use of the right tools, and this motherboard is tailor-made for designers and content creators, with features and designs that meet the demanding requirements for creating your own masterpiece.

4K Video Experience

The Meg X299 Creation features an exclusive expansion card, the THUNDERBOLT M3. Offering dual DisplayPort and dual Thunderbolt 3 for the full 4K video experience, accelerate content creation workflow and team productivity with the ability to move massive files, images, and video. Daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt devices with a single cable at speeds faster than USB. This card is sold separately.

Industrial Design

Create Your Masterpiece

The Meg X299 Creation comes with a look and feel inspired by the concept of element explosion. It is packed with features to unleash the overall performance for multi-core CPUs. Tailor-made for designers and content creators, its features and design meet the demanding requirements for creating your own masterpiece.

Mystic Light

Mystic Light

MSI Mystic Light provides functionality to control RGB light all around your ecosystem. Select the available colors from the palette to match your favorite mood. MSI offers multiple colors and variety effects for you to set up the whole rig by your own way.

Mystic Light Extension

Still not satisfied with the decoration on the ecosystem? The Mystic Light Extension will help you to have more attractive way to decorate you gaming rig with LED strips that is controlled by the Mystic Light application.

JRGB

The JRGB pin header provides the max 3A / 12V power supply for the up to 9.8' / 3.0m of 5050 RGB LED strips showing a single color.

Mystic Light Sync

MSI Mystic Light SYNC is built with open SDK for your peripherals. With the Mystic Light application, you can easily control all the colors and effects in one application.

Components

Built on Lasting Quality

Using fine quality components and integrating technological innovations delivers a professional experience. Rigorous quality testing under extreme conditions ensures a reliable, long-lasting, and high performance motherboard.

Shield Your Memory Signal with Steel Armor

Steel Armor protects your memory and memory slots from both physical damage and electrical overcurrent by adding extra ground points. But it also ensures a clean data signal for your memory by shielding it from electromagnetic interference (EMI), for a smooth gaming experience.

Fortify Your System with PCIe Steel Armor

MSI PCI Express Steel Armor slots are armed with more solder points on the motherboard for a stronger hold, preventing any damage due to heavy-weight graphics cards. Steel Armor also protects PCI Express signals against electromagnetic interference for a pure gaming experience and even higher overclocking.

Stable Gaming with High-Quality Components

MSI uses high quality components, which are shielded to make sure your system runs smoothly under the most extreme conditions. This includes humidity, temperature, circuit, ESD, and EMI protection.

Solid CAPs

With their aluminum core design, Solid CAPs are made for high-end motherboards. Not only do Solid CAPs could provide lower Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), but they also work firmly up to ten years.

Dark Choke

A special core design allows the Dark Choke to run at a lower temperature, offering better power efficiency and stability.

With MSI, you benefit from compatibility and a worry-free user experience when using Microsoft Windows 10. With true dedication to performance, MSI's R&D team has made sure everything works as intended when using the latest version of Microsoft Windows on MSI products.